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Focusing
Question(s):
What are three
distinct ecosystems found along the
How do the soils in
the three ecosystems contrast?
Standards:
Life Science (Grades 6-8)
13.0: Give examples
of ways in which organisms interact and have different functions within an ecosystem
that enable the ecosystem to survive.
17.0: Identify ways
in which ecosystems have changed throughout geologic time in response to
physical conditions, interactions among organisms, and the actions of humans.
Length of Time Needed to Complete:
Pre-field – One 1
hour class period; In the Field – One 45 minute rotation during field trip.
Resources/Materials:
Science field
notebooks, river journals, soil thermometers, soil collection tubes
Procedure:
Pre-field
Instruction – In Classroom:
1. Review
with students basic ecology terminology: ecosystem, biotic factor, abiotic
factor, symbiotic relationships, etc. List vocabulary in notebooks.
2. Discuss impact of abiotic factors on biotic
factors. Brainstorm some abiotic factors present in
3. Read, answer
questions about, and discuss the packet: “Berkshire Geology, Vegetation, and
Cultural History.” Keep packet in notebooks.
4. Introduce the
three ecosystems students will observe near the river: old growth forest, new
growth forest, and flood plain. Notes kept in notebook.
5. Demonstrate how to
use soil thermometer and soil tube.
In the Field –
At Bartholomew’s Cobble:
Direct student observations of three ecosystems, pointing out
different plant life in each system and how that is directly related to the
different abiotic factors present. Students
should take notes in their river journals.
Students gather quantitative data (temperature) and qualitative data (description of color, moisture, texture, etc.) of soil in each ecosystem. Students record data on data table in their river journals.
Students respond (homework) to the journal prompt provided below.
How are the three different ecosystems you observed today at the
Follow-up – In Classroom:
1. Review interactions of biotic and abiotic factors which result in the three different ecosystems found at the river. Stress direct relationship between the two.
2. Compare and contrast soil data, in terms of the
ecosystem where it was collected.
3. Discuss geologic and social history of region
and those impacts on the existing ecosystems.
Journal Assignment:
How are the three different ecosystems you observed today at the
Assessment:
1. Journal notes and
data table
2. Journal response
3. Completed answers to questions in packet
4. Quiz